Monday, July 25, 2005

On Saturday, I attended the New York Council of Deliberation. This is the equivalent of a Grand Lodge session for the New York State Valleys of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

The morning kicked off with a Leadership Training session presented by Brother Rev. Duane A. Kemerley. His presentation, while not presenting anything that I haven't heard before was interesting and was worth the hour & a half that was devoted to it.

The CoD officially opened following the training session. The usual reports and announcements occured during that hour and then we broke for lunch.

The afternoon began with a presentation of the play "December's Rose" by the Valley of Syracuse. Even though I am a member of this Valley, I had never seen this performed. It was very nicely performed by my local Brethren and should you ever have a chance to see this play done, please go see it.

We then completed the reports, awards and so forth to close out the CoD session. I find that Scottish Rite is a well oiled organization, well, at least my Valley is. It is extremely well run and and accounted for.

The degrees that Scottish Rite offers contain a wealth of esoteric symbolism and lessons. The Lodge of Perfection in particular, logically follows as a "sequel" of sorts to the three degrees of the Symbolic or "Blue" Lodge and runs parallel with those of the York Rite's Holy Royal Arch.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Yesterday, I received an early birthday present from my wife, a stainless steel Masonic ring from Gordon's Masonic Rings. It is really a sight to behold, handmade by a brother from Georgia. Check his site out.

Monday, July 18, 2005

My name is Richard J. Powell. I am nearly 42 years old, married with one son and two step-sons. I am a Librarian by profession, reside in Syracuse, NY and have a multitude of interests that will raise their ugly heads at some point here on this blog.

I was Raised in Morning Star Lodge No. 524 on December 18th, 1995 and served as Master in 2000-2001. I served as the Second Onondaga District Umbrella Chairman for Membership Development from 1998-2000 under R. W. Lee Edwards and Brotherhood Education from 2002-2004 under R. W. Richard Gilbert. I am a member of Central City Council No. 13, Cryptic Masons; Central City Commandery No. 25, Knights Templar; Tigris Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. and the New York College, Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis. I have served as or is currently an officer for Morning Star Chapter No. 289, Order of the Eastern Star; Masters, Wardens & Deacons Association; Past Masters Association; Charles H. Platt Chapter No. 247, Royal Arch Masons; and the Valley of Syracuse, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

Currently, I serve the Onondaga District of the Grand Lodge of New York as one of two Assistant Grand Lecturers. I am also serving as the Thrice Potent Master of the Central City Lodge of Perfection, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. In 2004, I also spearheaded the formation of a Chapter of the Order of Knights of St. Andrew.

This blog will serve as a forum for my Masonic thoughts. I will also pass on links & books of a Masonic interest as I come by them.